Former club Swansea lead the race for the player, while Watford have also been credited with an interest.

But it is understood the player would prefer a return to the Liberty Stadium should Liverpool sanction his sale, where a reunion with former Anfield and Swans boss Brendan Rodgers remains a distinct possibility.

Rodgers took Allen to Liverpool with him in 2012, causing a level of agitation at his former club, and then christened him the ‘Welsh Xavi’.

Despite that billing and some excellent performances, Allen has struggled for regular starts at Liverpool and currently appears likely to be moved on.

But the Daily Express claims Liverpool will want around £10million for the player regardless of his contract situation. The paper claims the Reds would be prepared to keep Allen and see him leave for nothing in 2017 rather than take a cut price fee this summer.